Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi has urged universities to take charge in the fight against terrorism.

In his public lecture at the University of Nairobi’s Taifa Hall, the Italian Prime Minister said that universities have a unique responsibility in creating a new world order by sharing new knowledge, values and ideas.

While paying tribute to families and victims of the Garrisa University terror attack, Mr. Renzi urged Kenyans to be brave and united in the fight against terrorism even as he declared that the world would not bow down to terrorism. “I am here to express my condolences and the solidarity of the Italian people with Kenya following the Garissa University attack…the goal of terrorists is to destroy our identity, culture and unity but we stand united as one indivisible global community.”

Noting that the Youth had the power to shape the future, the Prime Minister challenged the government to invest in youth empowerment activities in order to defeat terrorism. Mr Renzi called upon the youth to be leaders and not followers in the war against terror. He pointed out that it was everyone’s responsibility to help provide solutions to problems bedeviling the society currently.

The Prime Minister also urged the Youth to believe in their countries since Africa was the next economic frontier. He said Italy was willing to be an “idea” bridge between Africa and Europe rather than a physical bridge.